1989 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 R2.8 Cummins

Location: Bend, Oregon

Why It's Curated: This 1989 Land Rover Defender 90 is for sale in Bend, Or. This Defender represents the pinnacle of restoration excellence, having undergone a complete frame-off, nut-and-bolt rebuild that transforms it into a modern-capable classic. The centerpiece is a new R2.8 Cummins diesel engine conversion with oversized radiator and cooling fans, delivering legendary reliability and torque. With only 550 actual miles since completion, this truck showcases meticulous attention to detail including a complete strip-down to bare aluminum and professional respray in striking Ecosse Blue, new bulkhead converted from RHD to LHD, new wings, and an Ashcroft-rebuilt transmission. The comprehensive restoration extends to a 2016 dashboard upgrade while maintaining authentic character. This represents a rare opportunity to own a Defender that combines classic Land Rover DNA with modern diesel performance and restoration-quality execution.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Model History: The 1989 Land Rover Defender 90 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Land Rover's most iconic utility vehicle, marking the transition from the Series III to the modern Defender nomenclature that would define off-road capability for decades. Introduced as part of Land Rover's comprehensive redesign, the Defender 90 retained the proven ladder-frame chassis and live axles that made its predecessors legendary while incorporating crucial improvements like coil spring suspension, permanent four-wheel drive, and enhanced creature comforts. This generation established the template for what would become the world's most recognizable expedition vehicle, with its distinctive boxy silhouette, alpine windows, and utilitarian design philosophy that prioritized function over form. The 90-inch wheelbase variant struck the perfect balance between maneuverability and practicality, making it equally at home navigating narrow European lanes or traversing African wilderness. What distinguished the 1989 Defender from contemporary competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Chevrolet Blazer was its uncompromising focus on mechanical simplicity and repairability in remote locations. The aluminum bodywork provided corrosion resistance while keeping weight down, and the modular construction allowed for easy field repairs—qualities that made it the preferred choice for military forces, aid organizations, and serious adventurers worldwide. The Defender's engineering philosophy emphasized robustness over refinement, with features like exposed door hinges, simple electrical systems, and accessible mechanical components that could be serviced with basic tools. This generation's influence extended far beyond its production run, establishing design and engineering principles that would define the Defender lineage until production ceased in 2016, cementing its status as the ultimate expression of British utilitarian vehicle design.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1989
Make: LAND ROVER
Model: DEFENDER 90
Drive: 4 x 4
Miles: 550
Mileage Verification: Actual Miles
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 5
Engine: NEW R2.8 CUMMINS DIESEL
Exterior Color: ECOSSE BLUE
Interior Color: GREY
State of Registration: OR
Vehicle Location: Bend
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Engine & Transmission:

REBUILT TRANSMISSION DONE AT ASHCROFT

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:

Wheel Size and Offset: 16 INCH
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: 265/75 Trail finder All Terrain tires

Exterior & Interior:
TOTAL STRIP DOWN TO BARE ALLY AND RESPRAYED NEW BULKHEAD FROM RHD TO LHD NEW WINGS

Vinyl Interior
2016 DASH BOARD
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: No

Other Notable Features or Functions:
TOTAL FRAME OFF RESTORATION NUT & BOLT CUMMINS ENGINE CONVERSION WITH OVERSIZED RADIATOR & FANS SUPPLIED NY QUICKDRAWBRAND
DEFENDER IS IN RESTORATION CONDITION

Recent Maintenance:
BRAND NEW ENGINE

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
NONE